2008 will mark San Marino’s first ever One City, One Book event! This landmark occasion will feature Gail Tsukiyama’s bestselling novel, The Samurai’s Garden, a book already close to many readers’ hearts. Set in Japan just before World War II, the novel focuses on 17-year-old Stephen, who leaves his home in Hong Kong just as Japan is poised to invade. He’s sent to a small town called Tarumi to recuperate from tuberculosis, and as he does, he begins to develop friendships with 3 women and a girl close to his own age, all of whom begin to open him up in their own ways to the lessons of wisdom concerning love, honor and loss. Festivities will be held on Wednesday, May 21 at the Library, where copies of the book will be available for check out.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Elementary school children are invited to the Crowell Public Library to practice their reading skills by reading a book to a live gentle dog. This special program is made possible by volunteers of the Pasadena Humane Society. Scarlett, a lovable dachshund will listen on Saturday, March 15th @ 11:30 a.m. Space is limited so sign up today!!! For more information, please call 626-300-0777.
Would you like to receive tickets to a UCLA sporting event for reading books? Then come to the Public Library and pick up a reading log. The reading log will be used to keep track of the 8 books you need to read to earn the tickets. Once completed, bring the log back to the library and receive a pass, good up to 4 people, for a UCLA sporting event. Events include women and men’s tennis, track & baseball. This program will run until May 18th.
The Library Fairy will be making an appearance at the Crowell Public Library on Saturday, March 29th at 2:00 p.m. She will perform stories from all around the world. Children will get a chance to perform in Story Theatre while in costumes and dramatically act out an enchanting tale. Children will also learn how to be the hero of their own story. Guaranteed to be fun, educational and entertaining for the entire family.
Volunteers Needed
With the success of the new library comes the need for help getting returned books back out on the shelves. If you are a detailed-oriented adult with some time to give, consider spending some volunteer reshelving time in the library. Call Rex Mayreis for details: 626 300-0777 ext. 542. Some work may require the ability to lift boxes or books.
Since its opening on January 26, the Crowell Public Library has enjoyed an unprecedented amount of use. In its first five days, the Library leant as many books as it used to do in an entire month. At the same time, the Library issued over 1500 cards to new borrowers.
The thirty-six new public internet access computers are seeing constant use, as is the wireless internet access available throughout the Library. The Barth Community Room and the Thornton Conference Room have plenty of advanced bookings. As soon as they are offered, our children’s storytime programs reach maximum enrollment. A new program, Authors @ Crowell, brings national-level authors to speak at the library. Finally, the Library has scheduled programs for children and adults for the summer. Please see the City Recreation guide for more information.
Friday, March 07, 2008
San Marino City Manager Matthew Ballantyne has announced that Carolyn Crain will be retiring March 6, 2008. City Librarian Crain, an eighteen (18) year veteran of the City, made her intentions known following the completion of the New Crowell Public Library.
“It is with a great deal of regret that I resign my position as City Librarian due to issues related to my personal health. I am indeed proud of my contributions during my tenure here in San Marino. It is especially gratifying to have realized the completion of the new library which has been the pinnacle of my service here in this community.”
Crain began her illustrious career with the City of Monrovia as an Adult Services Librarian. Three years later, she served as the Yucaipa Branch Librarian for San Bernardino County as well as the Regional Librarian where she supervised twelve (12) of their branch libraries. In 1990, Crain was appointed the City Librarian for the City of San Marino by then City Manager John Nowak. While at San Marino, Crain has been a vital resource for the community which has matured into the development of a new library.
City Manager Ballantyne has not announced his plans for Crain’s replacement at this point, stating, “At this time, I would like to revel in Carolyn’s storied career. You will not find a more passionate individual who is committed to library services. Carolyn has accomplished a lot here in San Marino, and it has been an honor to have shared in those accomplishments these last two years. I would like to thank Carolyn’s husband Alan for sharing much of her time with us as it as has truly been a pleasure working with Carolyn.”
Should anyone wish to send notes or cards, please send to:
Carolyn Crain, City Librarian
c/o Matt Ballantyne, City Manager
2200 Huntington Drive
San Marino, CA 91108
